Jonckholt Castle is an unfinished yard of a medieval castle near Hoelbeek. The plans were drawn up, but only the canals, ramparts and foundations were realized.

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An 🇧🇪

March 2, 2024

Hiking

Jonckholt is considered an unfinished military fortress under construction, hastily erected at the beginning of the Eighty Years' War. It was located on the shortest route between the Maas Valley and the Demer Valley, the fastest and easiest way to the Duchy of Brabant. It was built at this strategic location to discourage William of Orange's troops from advancing along this road. According to historical sources, the client was a branch of the de Merode family, which was active in the so-called Secret Council, which could be regarded as the government in the Spanish Netherlands at the time.

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Elmar

January 2, 2024

Running

What you can find about the ruins is that, on the one hand, it was an unfinished building and was never completed. On the other hand, there are reports that first an elevated island, then the walls, and later a fortification were built in the swampy area, which fell into disrepair after 1600 because it was no longer of military importance. Today's building is the result of a comprehensive restoration following an excavation.

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1. View of Groenendaal Castle – Boardwalk Munsterbos loop from Bilzen

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2. View of Groenendaal Castle – Ruins of Jonckholt Castle loop from Tongeren

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3. Source of the Meersbeek – Ruins of Jonckholt Castle loop from Eigenbilzen

6.80km

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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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Informations

Elevation 100 m

Weather

Saturday 14 March

11°C

-1°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Ruins of Jonckholt Castle

1. View of Groenendaal Castle – Boardwalk Munsterbos loop from Bilzen

2. View of Groenendaal Castle – Ruins of Jonckholt Castle loop from Tongeren

3. Source of the Meersbeek – Ruins of Jonckholt Castle loop from Eigenbilzen

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